Quintet, Gamby released at Main Beach
Two more rehabilitated sea turtles were released back in the ocean on Thursday at Main Beach.
With the help of The Georgia Sea Turtle Center, The Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch and other local groups, Quintet and Gamby attempted their journeys back to the Atlantic.
Hundreds of people were on Main Beach to witness the event.
Dr. Briana-Lee Shaffner, associate veterinarian, and Sydney Milburn, rehabilitation technician I, of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center (GSTC) carried the two turtles side-by-side down the main beach sand. Schaffner released Quintet and Milburn released Gamby.
The two walked up and down the aisle of those in attendance to allow visitors time to see Quintet and Gamby before releasing them in the water.
Both turtles were rescued from Florida.
Rachel Overmeyer, Rehabilitation Program Manager at Georgia Sea Turtle Center told the News-Leader “Quintet was an incidental capture on hook and line, meaning that this turtle was caught by a fisherman while fishing and brought to the shore on hook and line on May 24, 2024, at "Family Beach" in Duval County. Upon arrival to the GSTC, Quintet received radiographs which revealed 4 more hooks present, for a total of 5 fishing hooks, which is where Quintet's name came from. We performed 2 hook removal surgeries while Quintet was in rehab and were successful in removing all 5 hooks.”
Overmeyer said Gamby was admitted on May 19 from Huguenot Memorial Park in Jacksonville.
She said he, “presented as debilitated, which is a term used to describe a turtle that is usually thin, weak, lethargic, and usually has a moderate load of epibiota living on its carapace. Gamby also presented with sone plastron wounds and a wound to the Left shoulder. Gamby was treated with antibiotics, supportive care, wound care and proper nutrition.”
The event originally was scheduled for Aug. 28 but was postponed to Thursday morning.
Overmeyer said, “our initial attempt at release was canceled due to safety concerns. There was a strong rip current, and a no swim mandate posted for Fernandina Beach that day, which led us to rescheduling the release.”
Mary Duffy of Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch said, “I (would) like to thank the city police for their assistance with the turtle release and all the AISTW volunteers who coordinated with the GSTC and the city to make it happen.”
Amelia Island Sea Turtle Watch posts updates on releases and other turtle related events on its facebook page.